Stock Market & Financial Investment News

Orexigen surges after disclosing weight loss drug data, patent newsShares of Orexigen (OREX) are surging in morning trading after the company disclosed the data from the 25% interim analysis of the LIGHT cardiovascular study when announcing a method of treatment patent was issued for its weight loss drug, Contrave. In the filing, the company disclosed that Contrave demonstrated a statistically significant benefit over placebo for cardiovascular events, including CV death. ANALYST OPINION: The new patent announced today extends protection for Contrave to 2034, analysts at Piper Jaffray stated. The firm thinks the new data could possibly drive a competitive advantage in the U.S. market for Contrave, and enhance probability of approvals outside the U.S. It kept an Overweight rating on Orexigen and raised its price target on the stock to $26 from $16. Meanwhile, Leerink noted the data show a statistically significant Contrave benefit in the intent-to-treat population on MACE, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The firm believes the results "present meaningful upside to expectations" and could have a positive impact on the Contrave launch if they are included on the drug's labels. Leerink reiterates an Outperform rating on Orexigen. OTHERS TO WATCH: Other companies that offer weight loss drugs that compete with Contrave include VIVUS (VVUS) and Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA). PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, Orexigen shares surged 44.5% to $8.37, VIVUS shares rose 8% to $2.99 and Arena slid 3.5% to $4.13.